Choosing the Jesus Way: Discipleship Beyond the Mission Field

When I was serving my mission, I learned that the doctrines we study in the seminary and the principles we learn in our classes are only half the battle. The other half is the grit—the moment when the principles meet the reality of the field. The Jesus Way is not a theoretical concept; it’s a radical, daily choice.

Sometimes, when I read the scriptures, I feel overwhelmed by the sheer scope of what it means to truly follow the Savior. It sounds impossible. How can we, as modern-day Latter-day Saints, navigate the inevitable disagreements, the hurts, and the moments of frustration that come with simply trying to live a Christlike life? It makes us feel like we’re constantly falling short, like we’re always needing a fresh round of comps.

But the power of the Gospel isn't in our perfect performance; it's in the grace that allows us to keep trying. The principles of forgiveness, of blessing those who curse us, are perhaps the hardest, most profound teachings given to us.

The Power of the Choice

The record of the Savior is clear: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”

This isn't just a nice suggestion; it’s a blueprint for spiritual survival. It requires us to filter our thoughts, our words, and our actions through the lens of Christ’s perfect love. It means recognizing that even when someone is treating us poorly—whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a member of the Church—our ultimate goal is to act in a way that brings the Spirit, not retaliation.

This shift in perspective—from 'how do I defend myself?' to 'how do I act as a disciple?'—is the core of being an Internet missionary. It means that the field is literally everywhere, and the mission preparation we need isn't just about talking about the plan of salvation; it’s about practicing radical forgiveness every time we leave the house.

The video I linked is a beautiful reminder that discipleship isn't about being perfect; it's about recognizing that even when we stumble, God's grace and patience are enough to pull us back. It’s about choosing the way that leads to life, freedom, and joy.

Practicing the Jesus Way: Your Daily Mission Prep

So, how do we take this massive principle and make it manageable? We treat it like a skill, like a muscle we need to build.

1. The Spiritual Pause: When you feel anger rising, pause. Take a deep breath and ask yourself: “What would Christ do right now?” This pause gives the Spirit space to whisper the correct response.
2. The Prayer of Forgiveness: Don't just forgive the person; pray for *them*. Pray that the Lord will soften their heart and help them see the truth.
3. The Practice of Compassion: Look for opportunities to bless someone who doesn't deserve it. Pay a compliment to a difficult colleague, or genuinely help a family member without being asked. These small acts are the foundation of the work.

Don't Walk Alone: Use Your Co-Pilot

This is exactly the kind of deep, challenging thought that Davee excels at. If you are struggling to apply this principle—for instance, if you are facing a difficult relative or friend—I encourage you to use Davee's AI Investigator role. Walk through the hard questions: *“What if I feel misunderstood?”* or *“How do I answer them without sounding preachy?”* He can walk you through the best way to answer those tough questions, helping you feel prepared for the actual missionary discussions of life.

This applies to our lives as disciples, whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake, or simply having a book club discussion. We are always in the field!

📖 Recommended Reading: If you want to dig deeper into Christlike attributes, I highly recommend checking out the Iron Rod library for books focusing on the Savior's attributes. They provide practical takeaways you can use in your daily life.

✨ Community Challenge: If this resonates with you, let’s commit to a Disciple Challenge this week. We'll be focusing on identifying one person we need to forgive or bless, and tracking that act of love. Join our free weekly gathering for more guidance and scripture study!

What is the hardest principle for you to apply? Share your thoughts in the comments!